Site FAQs
Have questions pertaining to the artist? Try the Ayu FAQs.
Why "Vogue"?
Vogue is defined as "The way or fashion of people at any particular time; temporary mode, custom, or practice; popular reception for the time" (dictionary.com). Ayu is well known for setting trends in both music and fashion in Japan and, consequentially, all over Asia; what's "in vogue" can usually be traced to her, thus making it an appropriate name for the site. That and it's the name of one of her songs and I'm not creative enough to think of anything else.
How in the world did you hear her music in the first place?
A friend of mine had one of her singles. This is further explained in the about section.
What's the difference between "Hamasaki Ayumi" and "Ayumi Hamasaki"?
Traditionally, it is proper in Japanese culture to introduce someone with his surname first. Use of one's given name is reserved for close friends and family, though a lot of pop artists disregard this tradition and credit themselves in the western style -- some even appoint themselves nicknames. Ayu obviously has adopted a nickname, though she has been credited on her albums in both forms. As for the sporadic format I use, I'm just fickle.
You got your information wrong!
Really? Let me know by contacting me. However, please know that you must provide some kind of a source if you wish me to change any crucial piece of information. And no, Wikipedia does not count.
Okay, I like what I've seen... where can I find more?
Ayu actually has a very strong following online, so there are plenty of fan and media sites dedicated solely to her for you to investigate; these are listed at the links page. If you are interested in purchasing her CDs and merchandise, I recommend Yesasia.com, though more options can be found here.
Do you speak Japanese?
Not nearly well enough.
Do you actually own any of her CDs?
Yup. I own (legal!) copies of her major studio albums, a majority of her singles, a number of DVDs, and three calendars. Huzzah! Unfortunately, as an effect there is little else to my name.
Speaking of which, a note on piracy:
Technically, the entire fansite business is illegal on some level or another, but I am particularly a stickler about music piracy. Although I think downloading music is a great way discover artists you may have otherwise never heard, I firmly believe that downloading entire albums is wrong. If you like it, buy it. Vogue will never host downloadable mp3s, nor will there ever be an entire album up for sampling in the Jukebox. Likewise, calendar scans will not be posted until January of the following year, and only alternate album and single covers will be uploaded--no booklets or CDs with only one cover option.
What do you use to make your sites?
- Coding: Notepad2 (a free program!) and Macromedia Dreamweaver.
- Image editing: Adobe Photoshop and ImageReady.
- Screen captures: taken in InterVideo WinDVD 7 and edited in Photoshop.
